Non-profit groups have a grant writing Catch-22 paradox that is a real problem for grass-roots activists. There are several dualities that cause dissonance for fund raising functionality. Income is often very vital to motivate groups of people.

About PAY motivation:

Members need to be active often without pay to advance the cause.

People need to pay bills, and are not motivated to follow-through with difficult missions without pay.

About LEGAL status:

Group needs to be legal to get 501C grants.

Group cannot be legal without members paying fees, and being active enough to fill out the applications for grants, and then carry out the mission functions.

Lesson:

Groups need members who believe in the mission strongly and have the personal will-power and discipline to contribute at least equally, regardless of pay. Trust and dedication to the team is vital. Groups can function on a basic level, without all members trusting all other members; the minimum amounts of trust can be between pairs of friends, that help other members to stay involved.

VOIS was the ‘Volunteer Organization for Independent Survival’, founded by leading SCOD members in 2001(?) as an under-ground anarchist syndicate for covert operations. No records were kept of their secret operations, and members of VOIS would not admit their identities. No official history exists for VOIS, and accounts of their operations are only speculative rumors.

VOIS Duress Codes:

Practices these local codes with people you trust.

Do not mention VOIS codes to strangers.

When you receive code signals from someone, watch your back.

Try to use codes with normal conversation, as communications will be monitored.

America has made some progressive changes recently, in response to Corporate control of our government. There is a reason i can be friends with Satanists and not Trump fans; Satanists are not generally for poisoning all of Nature and literally sacrificing all humans to a god of Greed. There are 2 ways we THE PEOPLE are changing things now with Bernie Sanders and liberal media and actors (Justice Dems): 1. direct campaign funding from citizens 2. lawsuits against corruption. That is happening now so there is a chance for change. Next would be direct voting for president, and then later maybe have a presidential council, and further decentralize power from one person, to the will of the majority of people, balanced by judges which mitigate the sides of issues.

We Stand United rallies / Standing Rock Water Protectors / the Resistance Comedy Army = those groups will keep pressure until their leaders funding it figure out how to actually drain the swamp, and who to replace them with. if people could have voted more on local issues, and national advocacy we could have saved many lives have more social workers that are employment therapists able to get people what they need to live. Political Party leaders that are funded by Corporations are owned by them. DEMOCRATS bribed news outlets to only pit Hillary against Trump, because the party heads were sure she could beat him. That is the main reason that Bernie Sanders was not given much media attention during the race. Knowing the history of the WV Coal Mine Wars , i think this is what is happening with Federal Government currently; the companies behind the 2 parties are just pitting us against each other to serve their mutual billionaire goals; so they both need to go. We cannot let corporate commercial tactics stop us from co-creating a better America. We can call Congress anytime, every day 202-225-3121, and find local political names and numbers. Years ago, i made a ‘Blackwater Mercenary’ video where i acted like a member, and tried to expose how ptsd, authoritarian control, and propaganda affects soldiers, and messes us up. I got so much right-wing hate after 30,000+ views i took it down. Now is the time for more people to talk about these issues. As a martial arts fighter and a solider veteran, these issues are important to me. We need a more caring LOVING president to give power back to the people, by decentralizing control and giving value economically to each individual life, and a system for direct democratic voting. People Power = Humanity.

I do not consider the ‘inauguration’ to be valid. One president for a whole continent that doesnt count a valid popular vote with only 2 corporate rich parties as the options is what evil Empires do. Impeachment based on Constitutional grounds is valid.

nina turner on Success = “3 bones: wish bone, jaw bone, back bone” finite disappointment, infinite hope. The elites that rule America, have been playing a shell game with our minds through propaganda. To break their power over us, ignoring them and continuing with our lives as though they dont exist does not work, as we will continue to serve them by existing within their system which fuels them. To break their power, we need to know who they are, and how to empower the masses more; which not only includes economics, but also education and wisdom of communal compassion which does not allow for tyrants.

SCOD is studying the art of space and time between people in community; in regards to communication, trade, and living. I’m thinking of how to do a SCOD concert in the future; by paying the first 50 people to show up, regardless of talent; to express themselves and honor Nature. maybe at Baker Park, or a spot on the AT…. a public space with minimal electronics; no large speakers; mostly acoustic, recorded by multiple devices. Emphasis on FREEDOM of self expression in honor of Nature. YOU and everyone that shows up are the headliners.with a few organizers , it might be a one time performance art thing, since it would cost me hundreds; but it maybe be something i might be willing to do one of these years.

reasoning: apathy and business of Capitalist life, ive been studying this area scene, and i have found it difficult to get people to show up even for something they agree with. Plus the economy sucks for most Americans. like a mini local economy boost for artists and musicians ; since i dont see it happening with politics. the point is to show them that they have VALUE and should have value within our system. Paying someone just happens to be what our current system that controls everyone uses to tell people they are worth anything. If we get some of that power, we can shift it more than having no clear power i think. People like me are feeling disenfranchised and have real fears of not being able to pay bills to keep them alive.

More GREEN Party goals: Curb costly sprawl development by helping more counties create smart, sustainable plans to guide future growth; Stop rollbacks on laws that protect our waters from pollution created by development; Ensure new renewable energy facilities are sited to both protect our agricultural land and make it easier to generate more renewable energy; and Protect our transportation wins that increase accountability from repeal and vetoes.

success in business is a synergy of factors: loyalty, luck, skill, motivation, communications, delivery; choose partners that are proven in at least some of those areas. being an artist or author is similar to inventing because it is so easy to get lost in the excitement of the unknown, success and failure ratios every hour; it is often hard to remember the big picture scale when a small aspect of a job feels uncertain, as though everything rests on that piece (when usually it really doesnt).

old people and architecture : ive been studying aging to try to address it in relation to SCOD; designing living from cradle to grave. 2 main issues with aging: 1. when do you pass power to younger people? 2. how much do you want to challenge a body with steps etc? those are the 2 biggest problems im trying to work on how to handle inheritance of power, and how much does each person want to work for their basic daily needs. so often i hear stories where the boundaries of power in a family are fought over

many people think old people should be able to take everything with them to the grave, others think younger people just naturally take on responsibilities when they see fit . where does dementia begin, and what steps are taken at what points to take power against their wishes for their safety?

joy of experience can be in purposing the process of play ; The end of a song is not usually the goal; the purpose is the process of playing. my lectures still take days to prepare even if i just use audio to record them; i go over the materials, practice reading, and tie the subjects together with recent notes. new SCOD job: I want to pay someone to contact potential scod teachers and filter out their responses.

RANDOM Ideas: exquisite corpse – cooperative drawing game; One person’s hero can be another person’s tyrant; and visa-versa; “Standing Rock reminded us that the machine can be paused.” – Belafonte

One ancient Venus statue was made from a wooly mammoth tusk, and is one of the earliest symbols of Sex, Love, and SUSTAINABILITY 35,000 BC Germany.

95,055,000 Americans have no official jobs or no employer income in 2016 and HALF of America are lower-class!! For some reason, the public media Unemployment Reports from the US Department of Labor are not listing the largest and most important number. According to their own data charts (which do not copy well as a direct link for specific info, perhaps on purpose) the Bureau of Labor Statistics ‘Household Data’ Table A-1; in November 2016 there were over 95 Million Americans not employed total. To clarify, over 95,000,000 (ninety-five million people) have no ‘outside-the-family-home’ income. Most workers are jobless in America. Over 38 million men and almost 57 million women of those jobless are adults over the age of 16 (seasonally adjusted).

Our election and political system should be put on TRIAL by people that are more interested in making the system better for the masses, above making their own personal profit for a limited time during their public service; and view the trial through a lense of Social & Environmental Justice; rather than for rich tyrants and profit corporations. a jury representing the population fairly should deliberate and make judgments that focus on restructuring incentives rather than penalties.

SCOD Utopia type 3d video game virtual reality scod ; the challenge is how to negotiate and counsel people lol

the enemy is internal and external dischord but it can also be transformed into love ; so you win when everyone is happy and respects eachother seemingly out of free will ; oh yeah anger and hate can turn into love or humor. you could have emotion levels and blood pressure points, you could do punk rock hybrid beatnik utopia ; or a hippy-new age combo; choose from 50 different types, dope scod styles; viking taverns and juice bars

SCOD is looking for lawyers, programmers, and accountants

I spoke with Dr. Sadler on the phone, and he said he was interested in doing some SCOD classes. Greg Sadler said we should charge something so people feel invested . maybe only have some videos for free (same as now), but for mentoring charge

and anything with the school charge he also said get more teachers than you need because people flake out. baby steps to getting a school organized….best thing is i dont have loans or sponsors demanding i pay them back to do it, so we have time.

“The idea that anyone should have to pay thousands of dollars to learn is bs.” – Dr. Sadler

Also I am making more books and art to share with others locally and around the World. I was born to artists, and raised in an art gallery to be an artist and also to make books. I was told by everyone that the very things I am best at, I cannot make a living doing. So I got a Masters Degree in Architecture, to please the people that told me what reality was. My education in architecture taught me that what I really should be doing is art and writing and music. Despite my ability to publish numerous books, organize art shows, sponsor musicians, and plan environmental projects with my non-profit organization I founded called SCOD; I have learned the hard way that asking for money is the only way to pay bills and hire other artists and creators too. I am best at doing what I love. Please help me to be successful at serving society through the arts. Thank you! – Patreon

I should admit i am still terrified by things i have learned, that went into the writing of this Thesis. “We were brought over here as slaves, and Lincoln turned us into unpaid interns.” – Kayne West, i just read this quote today, it startled me as a profound statement. Trump has the same type of New England racism that HP Lovecraft had, and I say that respectfully because I love Lovecraft. To clarify, H. P. Lovecraft wrote from a fear of ‘the other’, and a big part of that horror was the racist belief that other races are inferior and sub-human. I am far less racist than i was before i was educated, but i still understand the gut feeling that allows it expression, and to me this is why it is classified as HORROR.

currently SCOD is legally considered a ‘unincorporated nonprofit association’, and should probably stay that way, until we figure out how to get AND have gotten thousands of dollars in donations. None of the paperwork or reasons for incorporating seem to make any sense otherwise. we have no income to give grants or pay for services. maybe the scod school is the key to funding; we ask for money to make videos to teach children how to think, and about important life issues as an infinite series.

SCOD also made connection with associate Jennifer Hopkins-Jerome and her Youtube talent with knitting; and we also worked with other associates too.

Reason for SCOD: Nature and History will have their way with us, but we must know what powers we have as individuals to better our lives, regardless of anything.

We need to take the power back from “rich and famous” role models, and share it amongst everyone. [we can do with governments, what church leaders can do with religion – make it work by and for the common people] internet is the tool; there is inherent schizophrenia in the capitalist system i think..

“seems the good journalists… the ones actually doing their jobs get marginalized for ratings, or corporate interests at best, imprisoned or removed at worst. It’s ironic and almost silly in a grim sort of way that we have access to and ability to make view and share news world wide, but are still relegated to tiny little echo chambers and prepackaged creations of overarching and uncaring outlets based on”shares and likes”.. Thomas Paine would be frothing at the mouth for the access each individual has.. the ability to literally SHAPE public policy AND produce literature and knowledge in the hands of literally everyone… then he, Jefferson, Franklin and Adams wold probably collectively sigh and scream when they see what actually occupies the bulk of the news and information that is actually consumed…” – Tom O.

“to me now the resolution of much of the worlds misconceptions have got to do with healing the notion of two genders and instead seeing all as a reflection of the fem where its true development began expression…to cut off a lifeform from that connection is to drive it away from love and sanity” -Nina Tewsley

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Dear fellow children of Mother Earth,

We can use any freedoms we can find to celebrate our lives and learn more about others. Light and Dark – we need both, like night and day, we have both. Good sleep is as important as waking consciousness. Our ancestors lived in round houses with Nature, in Africa and England and America; we have much in common when it comes to Earth heritage. Balance means having both good and bad, life and death powers; too much of one, needs more of the other for harmony. Show people it is ok to grow our hair long to the ground, like roots to the Earth. This is Threshold Guardian, SCOD wisdom.

SCOD is a way of thinking, acting, and living that questions existence, designs environment, and believes in the ability to find kindred spirits with the desire to build and live together sustainably. We should value the work of our friends, as part of their life’s art. We are all artists inside, if our neocortex brains allow free expression. If we feel uneasy about our arts, remember that acceptance is part of serenity and happiness.

Beamer in Thurmont MD powers his house on 100% solar. The panels will pay for themselves in 6-10 years. Families on homesteads have designed their own lives around animals and plants, to be very self-sufficient. Perfection is not possible, unless we redefine success, and live within our means and our dreams. Then perfection or bliss can be found in the smallest every day events and thoughts. Be well, blessed be.

I value all the lives of my friends, and the art that is their lives. This is a value system i have always been aware of, that has helped set me apart from the normal world of competition, more and more consciously as the years go by. people can use any of my ideas and take credit for doing a “better job”, or refuse to appreciate anything of mine – whatever, they did this when i was very competitive, and many will continue to judge me no matter my hair, dress, or respect for others.

Special thanks to Aeyla of the Hill People for helping so much with many projects!!!

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Some one else’s good, is not always your good; but often some kinds of cooperation are possible if negotiated.

Aeyla and Drogo conducted a long-distance road-trip vacation-sabbatical from Maryland to Missouri, for the purpose of scouting various sites for case studies and potential projects. First Cahokia was visited and studied for historic perspective on environmental architecture. Then the Boe family farm at Schoen Ridge was visited to investigate potential for a medieval long-house and eco-village. Finally on the way back home, Mark Twain’s boyhood home was toured for literary, economic, and social wisdom. In Indiana, we visited Pat Long; who took us to Traders Point Creamery: Organic Gardens and Green Architecture (see Barns & Restaurant in photo above). Many other adventures were had along the way, but those stories are for another time when a more detailed account can be recorded.

Sometimes you need to get lost to find yourself; because you can find things while being lost, or lose things when found. Found objects can be lost, and lost objects can be found. A full spectrum of lost and found. Animals have agendas like food and dominance , but are easier to handle. People are like dogs, sometimes they keep trying to bite me, regardless of how i am. Nature is not fair, but compassion is priceless.

All the most important SCOD factors are present with the Boe property. The Boe family homestead is a working farm run by the family with NO full-time paid workers; so it truly is a small family farm of apx. 80 acres and 50-70 animals (fluctuates). The largest city nearby is St. Joseph. The Boe farm is north of Savannah, south of Ravenwood (Ravensborg?), and adjacent to the village of Rosendale (whose buildings are selling for ultra low prices of $500-$1000).

Modest Proposal for Fee of Services as Architect:

We can list all our concerns over the months, and work out issues during scheduled and paid meetings, so we dont waste tons of time in endless debates.we could schedule Longhouse meetings for just before Equinoxes and Solstices, so 4x a year or when funds or needs are low only once a year. perhaps i can only charge for changes and additions, and trade the main drawings for future ability to live there for free for several months or something. Pay shows respect of commitment to a project, beyond the practical need to pay bills. paying me for each meeting, will allow client control on their budget. At $20 an hour, meetings should be reasonable to do things gradually. we can do meetings on skype, or phone, or chatting with text on facebook or email. friends that are like family, loved ones, are special clients with whom there is a trust of sharing, and options should be patiently felt out and pressure alleviated, even for final decisions when they are organically arrived at by all. my role is still the same as before the trip, i dont want to micromanage a scod project without pay or owning it, BUT i can say visiting did clarify the viability of the site and the family’s sincerity towards concept and kindness for sure. In addition, Karen’s volunteering posting in SCOD group certainly proves she believes in the concepts intellectually; but there is no funding for those of us running that social media aspect.

In the mean time; I recommend the Boe family to save money; and collect, cut, and store wood to dry on site: 2″ large flat slabs for tables and beams; 4x4s, 6x6s, 12×12″ etc at various lengths as long as possible. i think we will work things out as we have thus far, continuing to organically define our collaborative art to make everyone happy. There will always be more to do, in a world of ‘way too much’, but we can take breaks and remember to play.

‘Grass Root Words’ is a Naturalist periodical journal for essays, poems, and short-stories on inspirational themes like history, education, evolution, environmentalism, civil rights, philosophy, arts, and discoveries in science. Contributing authors include all ages; alive or dead; famous or infamous. This is like a grass-roots ‘Leaves of Grass’, except anyone can be in it, not just Walt Whitman.

Volunteer authors can email me (Drogo) drogo76@hotmail or find me on Facebook and send their short writings (poems, essays, or short stories) for ‘Grass Roots Words’ SCODzine Kindle ebook collections. I will publish anything less than a page that fits! Send your writing any-time because late-comers will just be added to a later issue.

Grassroots – any organic social group supporting at least one common cause, as opposed to a movement that is organized by official power structures. Many local volunteers in various places can lead to massive unified parties, like patches of grass.

“Sometimes i think about the future of SCOD. It is very much a reality for me. i have been involved with another group of friends that originally began as a book study group based on the works of Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael and later, his other books. This evolved into a discussion group concerned with cultural collapse, environmental collapse and sustainability. This group of friends has maintained relationships with one another since 1997. Many, many people have come and gone in the group, partially due to the mobility of our culture. We had a picnic in the park today and talked about how we came into the group and what made us stay. Over the years we’ve talked about deepening our commitment through tribal ventures, community, etc. None of that has really happened on a grand scale but what has survived is the give support-get support that Quinn talks about in his books.
That brings me to SCOD. i was drawn to SCOD because of the similarities. We don’t have the luxury of physical closeness that my orignal group has (although some of us in our Ishmael group are several miles from each other) since SCODians are spread all over the country… and some outside the country. However, because of the internet we are able to share things on a daily basis. We can ask for advice, learn new things, share our own experiences and ideas. …or just be there if someone needs a friend. Developing local groups is the best way to create commitment, but not always feasible. The SCOD village and pub would make a huge difference as a place to bring all these practices into fruition. There are so many talented, active, caring, sharing people in this group and it would be awesome to get lots of them together in one place.

It is my hope that for those of you that are able, to reach out and be there for each other. As time goes by you will find it is one of the best investments you’ve made in your life. But for now i am content to have all of you people as my friends. Thank you for enriching my life so much and helping me to continue to grow.”

SCOD encompasses science, art, history, agriculture, architecture, etc. based on active member consensus, but SCOD Facebook Group is NOT A DEBATE FORUM. The purpose of the SCOD FB Group is to educate the public and find new potential members with the desire to sustain mutual cooperation on scod projects.

SCOD is styles, fashions, movements, and the ways in which our lives interact, and are affected by theories, thoughts, dreams, and ideas. Worlds of scientific laws, and worlds of artistic impressions meet at SCOD; somewhere between psychology and philosophy. Most of the important debates have been debated, and we have arrived at various conclusions, which we are acting on, towards achieving scod theory goals.

We must find ways to support each-others’ projects, in what ever ways we can. Most important is positive feed-back, and emotional support for people; because criticism is so common in daily life for most people that are different. Diversity in projects is important, and I want people to be able to do things, and proudly say it is in keeping with SCOD.

SCOD is less about Dogma, and more about Love, Freedom, Nature, and Art. Those who have the responsibility to protect the group, some-times need to make decisions to excuse disruptive chaotic characters from group activities, to allow them to function more independently. This will allow the group to co-create substantially, and let individuals that disagree to do their own thing, as part of SCOD or not.

I believe in asking questions, rather than the popular trend of making fun of free-thinkers or rejecting differences. What one person sees as true, another might see as false; even if they are actually seeing the same thing but calling it by a different name. Theories become reality, and reality can become theory, and fiction can be based on either. Language is complex in that we are always ‘translating’ or interpreting what we think other people are saying with words that they think they are saying, which vary at different moments in time depending on mood, circumstances, and context.

The only danger I can see regarding allowing questions and ideas that others think are false, would be in acting on false theories, at personal risk. For example thinking that all police are androids, and so we try to deactivate their power source located in their groin area. But we do not always act on our thoughts or opinions. Otherwise I like to entertain all theories that I can, and actively pursue the theories that I think are worth it.

Also, the person that posts something may have complex opinions regarding the post. In some cases the person posting may think the post is false, and are just either being funny, trying to be rude, or curious about how other people will respond. So i tend to let things go if i can, and mainly encourage as much posting of interesting things as possible… with few exceptions, such as spam, repeats, industrial commercials, etc… Debating is important, and can be a great event, however I think it is good to be specific about details when challenging someone else’s posts. Opinions are personal, just like art, no matter if it is seen as “true” or “false”, that is why it is more important to respect the feelings of other members, rather than risk wasting tons of time by debating one issue. If people want to argue more than compromise, i recommend forming a separate debate group, make their own blog post, or carry on privately.

In our Cooperative, do not worry so much about responding to every annoyance or conflict. I would rather we focus individually on feeling good, rather than arguing with others. We should take care of each-other, with compassion; and take time out for ourselves for meditations and healing our health. Contributing members should be free to post things that express their own opinions, even if sometimes the posts are not agreeable to others sometimes; but an organic line can be drawn between major and minor disagreements; and the ability to distinguish is an ART not a science.

“We must act, though our efforts be imperfect. The path to sustainable energy will be hard, but we must do it.” – Obama on the radio during 2nd Inauguration.

Do what you like to do, and it will be good. SCOD will be there for us, because it is the space where the play takes place, and the play itself. In that way, everything we do counts. Diversity is important, and so we provide a haven for people that are not with popular opinion, whether it is science, art, religion, or culture. Our membership numbers are fed by our tolerance rather than our exclusiveness. SCOD may someday have a membership of zero, but it will not be for lack of trying. There must be a balance of questioning and decision making; and that must be determined by the active members who accept that responsibility.

SCOD members come and go, and those of us willing to lead, must also make a point to thank all those who advance and add to SCOD, even those who leave the group despite having been major contributors. Wishing well, blessed be. Thank you! – Drogo